Gone Medieval

St. Christopher & Summertime Saints

7 snips
Jul 4, 2025
Join historian and storyteller Amy Jeffs, author of 'Saints, a new legendary of heroes, humans and magic', as she shares captivating tales of medieval saints linked to summer. Discover the intriguing journey of St. Christopher, the bearded Saint Uncumber challenging gender norms, and the enchanted saga of the Seven Sleepers of Ephesus. Jeffs explores the influence of folklore on sainthood and the cultural significance of summer festivities, revealing how these figures shaped spiritual and communal identities in the Middle Ages.
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ANECDOTE

Amy Jeffs' St. Christopher Encounter

  • Amy Jeffs describes her first encounter with St. Christopher's giant wall painting in an English church.
  • The image felt theatrical and transported her to a vivid medieval world unlike any she'd known.
INSIGHT

Meaning Behind St. Christopher's Name

  • The name Christopher means "Christ bearer," tying directly to the legend of the giant carrying Christ.
  • St. Christopher's story blends strength with spiritual transformation, converting a feared giant into a protective figure.
INSIGHT

St. Christopher's Protection Promise

  • Many medieval images of St. Christopher promised protection from dying an evil death that same day.
  • This meant death after confession and a proper Christian passing rather than superstition about physical safety.
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